Letter From the Editor
by Samantha Peltrau, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
by Samantha Peltrau, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
In honor of this month’s celebration of Women, Women’s History, and Women’s achievements and progress throughout time, this article will highlight a few remarkable women whom I deeply respect for their work, resilience, and ambition. This collection of exceptional women is only the beginning of a process we should all undertake to show appreciation for the women who inspire us and the women in our own lives who go above and beyond for our success and joy.
Eartha Kitt
If I could chat with any woman over tea, I would undoubtedly choose Eartha Kitt. The genius and sensational diva, a model of class and confidence, who defined herself, defended her beliefs and rebelled against the standards for Black women during the Swinging 60s. The singer, actress, comedian and dancer led an extraordinary life and left behind an even more remarkable legacy.
Looking at my record player in shock and amazement, I vividly remember hearing “Santa Baby” for the first time one warm Florida Christmas. When watching clips of Eartha, listening to her music, or reading articles about her, I’m always in awe of her boldly honest display of character. If the two of us could sit down, I’d ask her how she found herself throughout her life. How did she come to be the Eartha we all knew and cherished? How did she find the courage to be so unabashedly authentic? In what ways did she balance her creative desires and passion for racial and social justice? Eartha embodied a radical sense of Black femininity and sensuality while never abandoning the artist, advocate, and dedicated mother she’d loved being. Learning how she approached building self-awareness and refused to be spiteful in such a hateful world as a Black woman would be not only helpful but also, possibly liberating.
Looking at my record player in shock and amazement, I vividly remember hearing “Santa Baby” for the first time one warm Florida Christmas. When watching clips of Eartha, listening to her music, or reading articles about her, I’m always in awe of her boldly honest display of character. If the two of us could sit down, I’d ask her how she found herself throughout her life. How did she come to be the Eartha we all knew and cherished? How did she find the courage to be so unabashedly authentic? In what ways did she balance her creative desires and passion for racial and social justice? Eartha embodied a radical sense of Black femininity and sensuality while never abandoning the artist, advocate, and dedicated mother she’d loved being. Learning how she approached building self-awareness and refused to be spiteful in such a hateful world as a Black woman would be not only helpful but also, possibly liberating.
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Bonnie Wright
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I’m sure many Potterheads may immediately recognize “Ginny Weasley,” the Red Headed rebel from the Harry Potter films that so many of us enjoy. I remember finding Bonnie’s instagram years ago: Initially, I was marveled by how much she had grown up since seeing her in the movies, but what really surprised me was how she was using her platform to advocate for causes that I also cared about. Wright’s extensive work to educate others about Climate Change, Sustainability, and Environmental justice resonated with me, in addition to her bright and witty personality. Bonnie Wright is a phenomenal actress, director, writer, and activist who radiates warmth and charisma. I look up to her not only for her bold activism, but also her unapologetic love for our planet.
Wright recently released her first book, “Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet,” which is centered around her practices to nurture a relationship with the Earth and natural world, and in consequence, the climate crisis. Wright’s debut book aims to encourage all of us to consider “changing your habits, living more sustainably, and taking action,” against the climate crisis. |
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More from Bonnie's book
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Congratulations on getting married!!
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Joanne Lee Molinaro
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Joanne Lee Molinaro is an incredibly sagacious spirit and wildly successful woman that it’s difficult to begin the process of writing about her.
Molinaro is a seasoned lawyer, an ardent runner, and passionate chef who uses social media platforms, most notably TikTok, to share vegan Korean recipes. However, when you tune in to her social media, you learn that she is a loving wife, a sentimental daughter, and a spirited individual who makes it a priority to stand up for her community and voice support for other people of color. Also known as @TheKoreanVegan on social media, Molinaro is a ground-breaking chef who uses her platforms to share personal stories about her life, which speak to marginalization of Asian-Americans and Women, especially from her perspective as a lawyer in a male dominated career field. She also discusses romance, her favorite memories from childhood, and general advice to teach people what she’s learned throughout her life. |
I am truly in awe of Molinaro: someone who also loves to cook, her recipes are a source of inspiration, but the profound content that comes with each of her videos deeply resonates with me due to her experiences often mirroring my own.
Explore her social media for delicious recipes and heartwarming stories! Check out her debut cookbook here, The Korean Vegan Cookbook, Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen, and read more about her here.
Explore her social media for delicious recipes and heartwarming stories! Check out her debut cookbook here, The Korean Vegan Cookbook, Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen, and read more about her here.
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